July 4, 1944. G. s. ALLIN 2,352,593 _ WHEEL EQUIPPED TRACTOR Filed Oct. 20, 1941 /-5 4 Sheets-‘Sheet 1 ' '{i'isunxll llllllllllllilil mg“ I. .5 , INVENTOR GEO/96E J ?LL/N @KWQ ATTORNEY July 4, 1944. 2,352,593 ,6. S. ALL-IN WHEEL EQUIPPED TRACTOR Filed Oct. 20, 1941 k»g. 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 \%.owho ‘ ‘ INVENTOR 6627/9615 J?LL/n @Ji'ZQy-MWQ ' ATTORNEYS July 4, 1944*» G. s. ALLIN 2,352,593 WHEEL EQUIPPED TRACTOR Filed 001;. 20, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 3“. ‘R. “a . INYENTOR 650,965 .5 HAL/N . BY ATTORNEY July 4, 1944. ‘ <;_ s_ ALUN 2,352,593 WHEEL EQUIPPEDv TRACTOR Filed Oct. 20, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR WWI) ATTORNEY Patented July 4, 1944 v 2,352,593 umreo s'rArEs PATENT orrica 2,352,593 WHEEL EQUIPPED TRACTOR George S. Allin, Seattle, Wash, assignor to Isaacson Iron' Works, Seattle, Walla, a corpo ration of Washington Application October 20, 1941, Serial No. 415,705 5 Claims. (Cl. 180-17) Braking of the vehicle is rarely employed except This invention relates to tractors, and has ref to aid in steering control, and this is accom plished through the braking facilities incor porated in, or in connection with the steering erence more particularly to improvements in wheel equipped crawler track replacement units of those kinds which have been described and , illustrated in my copending applications, filed clutches. dated Feb. 9, 1943), and 398,873 (Pat. No. 2,311, 922 dated Feb. 23, 1943). In connection with the aims and purposes -of the present improvements, it will be here ex plained that the inventions that have been de scribed, illustrated and claimed in the above numbered applications relate to the design, ap plication and use of novel types of wheel equipped units as replacements for the crawler tracks of ‘well known and universally used tractors, such for example, those known by the trade names “Cle-Track,” “Caterpillar," “International" and “Allis-Chalmers"; such replacements being de signed to convert the tractors to which they are applied from the crawler types to wheeled types, with incident advantages of higher speed and greater utility, but without loss of maneuver ability or e?iciency. As is well known in the art, tractors of those kinds above identi?ed by their trade names, are now equipped with crawler track mounting frames at opposite sides of the tractor main frame. These track frames extend lengthwise of the main frame and are equipped with sprocket wheels, and suitable guides for mounting the crawler tracks thereon. The crawler tracks at opposite sides of the tractor are independently driven through certain of their mounting sprockets and each may be controlled independently of the other to provide for steering the tractor. . In those kinds of crawler type tractors to which the present replacement units are made ap plicable according to the disclosures of the pre “ - vantages 'to be gained by use of such replace ment equipment, su?ice it to say that in actual ‘test, they have surpassed all expectations in many uses and under varying conditions. [5 It has vbeen disclosed, however, that because of the relatively high speeds made possible and at which the tractors are normally operated when equipped with the present wheeled units, the braking facilities as originally provided in con ' 20 nection with the power transmission and steer; ing clutches is entirely inadequate, and conse quently is relatively short-lived. This will be readily understood when it is remembered that ordinarily, tractors of the mentioned crawler 25 types operate at speeds of from three. to six miles per hour, whereas, with the present wheeled equipment, they are operated at speeds of from ten to twenty-five miles per hour. Thus, it is imperative to safety, adequate-control and satis 30 factory operation that positive, more durable and more adequate braking equipment be pro vided than is available in the original equip ment. Furthermore, it is believed to be most practical that the additional braking facilities 35 should be applied directly to the ground wheels and not merely addedto the already existing brakes of ‘the steering clutches. In view of the above, it has been the principal objects of this invention, ?rst, to improve the 40 braking facilities oi’ tractors that have been equipped with track replacement units of the kind disclosed in my copending applications or straight rearward travel is accomplished by the forward or rearward driving of the tracks is in unison, while turning and pivoting is effected through the differential driving of the individual crawler tracks. The ‘differential driving is ac complished through mechanism referred to in the art as "steering clutches”; there being such a' 50 clutch provided in connection with each crawler track, and these clutches and their corresponding brakes are individually controllable from the tion of brake pedals and clutch control levers. .. and without reciting the various uses and ad viously mentioned applications, straight ahead I driver's position through the proper manipula ‘ Without going into any lengthy description of details of the various crawler track replacement units which have been illustrated and described in .the above mentioned pending applications, under Serial Nos. 337,647 (Pat. No. 2,265,986 dated Dec. 16, 1941); 375,279 (Pat. No. 2,284,790 dated June 2, 1942); 385,261 (Pat. No. 2,310,727 above mentioned; second, to apply braking equipment directly to the track replacement units, and, third, to so associate the additional _, braking means of the wheeled units with that already existing in connection with the steering clutches and power transmission facilities of the tractor that, in the conversion of the tractor from the crawler to the wheeled type, the orig inal steering clutch braking facilities supple ment those of the replacement units, particu larly in their use as emergency brakes. Still another object oi’ this invention is to pro vide an improved means for the vertical guid 2 2,302,003 ance of the oscillating ends of the frames of the and substantially formed, rearwardly disposed wheeled units whereby to relieve the pivot axle housing I, which encloses the power transmis of twisting and lateral strains and to insure a sion gearing the two steering clutches and their more substantial and better construction, par brake mechanisms for the crawler tracks. As ticularly where heavy units of large size are con shown in Fig. 2, this housing is rigidly fixed to cemed. a forwardly extending frame structure compris Still other objects of the invention reside in the ing spaced, opposite side beams, 2, between which details of construction of parts, in their combi the engine, or prime mover 3 is supported. Ex nation and mode of operation, as will hereinafter tending horizontally through the housing I is a 10 supporting shaft 4, of substantial diameter, which be fully described. In accomplishing these and other objects of has its opposite end portions, designated by ref the invention, I have provided the improved erence character 4a, extended through and be details of construction, the preferred forms of yond the opposite side walls of the housing. which are illustrated in the accompanying draw These extended portions of the shaft originally ings, wherein were intended to serve as pivot axles for mount Fig. 1 is a side view of a tractor equiped with ing the track frames and also as mounting axles wheeled track replacement units embodying the for the track driving sprocket wheels. This axle, braking facilities and other features of the pres in the art, is generally referred to as the "pivot ent invention. - axle." Fig. 2 is a plan view of a portion of- the trac ‘ Disposed transversely of the frame structure 2, substantially forwardly of the pivot axle 4, is a laminated spring 5. This spring is functionally tor, showing the track replacement unit at one side in horizontal sections, and illustrating the tractor driving mechanism, including the steer mounted medial of its ends in a support that is ing clutch and brake mechanism associated with plane parallel to the tractor frame and Just with pivoted in the frame structure 2. This spring is known as the equalizer spring. Opposite end portions of the spring 5 extend below and equally beyond the opposite side beams 2 of the main in the set of wheels at one side as on the line frame structure, and, in their normal use, en that unit. , ' Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken in a vertical 3-3 in Fig. 4, showing the braking facilities and gage with the vertically oscillating ends of the crawler track frames to support and ‘cushion the forward portion of the tractor frame. With this usual arrangement of parts, the its control mechanism for that set of wheels. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the same parts. Fig. 5 is an enlarged, cross sectional view on the line 5-5 in Fig. 2. main tractor frame is supported through the _ Fig. 6 is a section, taken on the line 6—% in Fig. mediacy of cross shaft 4 and spring 5, and it is to these parts that the present wheeled units are applied to support the main frame in a like man ner both for propulsion and steering. 5, showing the brake shoes and their actuating cam and lever. Fig. 7 is an enlarged, cross section on line 7-4 in Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the present swing frame. - The original equipment of the tractor, besides the prime mover or engine 3, includes the drive 40 shaft 6 that extends rearwardly from the engine Fig. 9 is a side view or elevation of the braking and is operatlvely connected, by suitable gearing devices as applied to the unit, in. Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic layout of the vacuum as shown at 1 in Fig. 2, with a short, transversely supported shaft 8 which, at its ends, is operatively connected through the steering clutch mech anisms, each of which is designated in its entirety by reference numerals 9, with pinion gears 10. The gears l8 drive relatively large gear wheels ii that are mounted to revolve upon the extended end portions 4a of the pivot axle Q at opposite sides of the main frame. For purpose of better understanding, it will be connection and control valve at one side of the tractor. ‘ Fig. 11 is a cross sectional detail of the vac uum applying valve mechanism. as used with each wheeled unit. Referring more in detail to the drawings It is to ‘be understood that while the crawler track replacement equipment that is herein illus trated is of such design and detail as to adapt it to a. tractor of a particular kind, namely, the explained that each of the steering clutch mech anisms 9 embodies a clutch C and a brake B, to which latter a brake band b is applied. The “International” tractor, it is quite evident that by slight modi?cation in detail, and without de 55 clutches 9, associated with brake mechanisms at opposite sides of the tractor, are intended to parting from the spirit of the invention that is be individually controlled by the vehicle driver herein set forth, the unit could readily be made through the manipulation of hand levers C1. applicable to other kinds or makes of tractors of this general type, known as “crawlers." Likewise, the brakes are individually controlled In the present drawings and in the following 60 by manipulation of foot pedals B1. description, only such parts as are directly con cerned with the present invention have been shown in detail, or will be speci?cally referred In Fig. 3, I have shown the lever C1 for the mechanism at the near side of the tractor as being pivotally supported at its lower end by pivot S, and operatively connected to a rearwardly ex tending rod 1- which, in turn, is connected to a lever arm t, ?xed on a rotatable, vertical pivot shaft 1). The shaft p has another lever arm d ?xed thereto and this arm, in turn, has opera tive connection, as at e in Fig. 4, with the con In the general construction of any one of those crawler type tractors which I have in mind in 70 trol device of corresponding clutch C. By for connection with use of the present improved ward movement of the lever C1, the clutch C will be released against the holding pressure of a equipment, there is a main frame structure which mounts the engine, or the prime mover, and the spring. not shown, as is well understood in the . various tractor controls. The main frame. struc art. to; the gist of the invention residing in the pro vision of braking equipment for crawler track replacement units employing large, rubber tired wheels, and used in addition to and supplemented by the original steering clutches and their‘ brakes. ture, in a typical construction, includes a closed 75 The brake that is associated with the clutch C 3 2,852,598 comprises the drum to which brake band b is applied. The band b has an end connection, designated at w in Fig. 3, with a pivoted bell crank arrangement I which in turn has an op erative connection, later described in detail, with the foot pedal B1 through which pressure on the pedal operates to tighten the band I) to apply braking pressure to the drum. Spring means, not shown, operates to release the brake when the Formed through the forward end portion of, the arm 2|a is a socket, or seat 43 within which an end portion of the equalizer spring 5 engages to yieidingly support the forward end of the ve _ hicle. Also ?xed rigidly to the forward end por tion of the bracket arm 2|a is a guide 46 formed with a vertically extending slot 41 wherein the two vertically spaced rollers 48-48, carried by ' a bracket v49 that is rigidly bolted to the adjacent side beam 2 of the main frame, are contained to The present crawler track replacement equip ment embodied by the invention includes, for or ‘inward displacement relative to the main pressure on .the foot pedal is removed. guide and hold the swing frame against outward each side of the tractor, a pair of ground wheels frame, but without interfering with its intended arranged in tandem, preferably of substantial oscillating action in a vertical direction. The . slot 41 in this case is substantially longer than the distance of vertical spacing of the rollers so as not to interfere with the action. The rear ground wheel i5 of each set is mount ed to rotate freely on the extended end portion . - diameter and equipped with heavy duty pneu matic tires._ Each- set of wheels is mounted by a swing frame structure and the wheels are of equal diameter and are disposed quite close to gether. In the present construction, the rear wheel l5 at each side of the tractor is adapted ‘ ' to be directly driven from the engine through the corresponding steering clutch mechanism, as will presently be' explained, and the front wheel,‘ i6, is driven in unison with the rear wheel by a sprocket chain belt connection as later described. Each of the swing frames comprises, as seen in Fig. 8, a horizontally disposed, longitudinal beam 20, forming the outside member, an angle ‘bracket 2| ?xed to the beam 20, and a brace 4a of pivot shaft 4. Each wheel i5, as shown, is of the same size and character of construction of the front wheel iii. The rear wheel comprises a body disk 50 that is bolted to the outer end ?ange 5| of a hub member 52 revoluble about the shaft end 4a. The hub member, in turn, is ?xed at its inner end coaxially to the corresponding gear ii to turn therewith. The body disk 50 carries a tire mounting rim 56 and this mounts a pneumatic tire 51. ' . As noted best in Fig. 2', the body disks of the two wheels are formed with outwardly extending member 22 ?xed to the bracket. The longitu- 1 . dinal beams 20 of the swing frames at the oppo site sides of the main frame are operatively ?xed hub-like portions 58, and applied thereto, and at their rearward ends to pivot bearings i9 mounted on the outer ends of the pivot axle d. keyed thereon, as- at 59 in Fig. 5, are sprocket wheels 60 about which, for each tandem set of The beams 20 are adapted to oscillate ‘freely ‘ at their forward ends in vertical planes, and the angle brackets 2| are ?xed to the beams 28 to oscillate therewith. Each bracket 2| comprises wheels, a chain belt 12 operates as a means of causing the wheels to rotate in unison, both be ing- positively driven and rendered eilective for traction in driving or in braking. The gist of the present invention resides in and held rigidly parallel to the swinging end of 40 the provision of more adequate and more effec tive braking facilities than is possible to obtain the beam 20 by a bracket leg 2|b that is disposed through the original steering clutch brakes. It at a right angle to the leg portion Zia, and at its will be observed in Figs. 2 and 5, that the front outer end is rigidly secured by suitable means to wheel hub has a brake drum 15 bolted thereto'at the beam 20 at approximately its medial point its inner end, and that internally of the drum, 9.. passing between the tandem wheels i5 and it. pair of expanding brake shoes ‘i6 are operatively In the present showing, the beam 20 is of channel located. These shoes are pivotally supported at form, while the leg 2 la of the bracket 2| is fabri~ a horizontal leg 2|a that is spaced inwardly from ’ cated from two angle irons placed edge to edge their lower ends, as noted in Fig. 6, by pivot bolts ‘i1 mounted in ,a bracket 18 that is ?xed about outer end, the arm 2|a has a solid casting ?tted 50 the inner end portion of the spindle 35. At their upper or swinging ends, the brake shoes are and secured therein and provided for mounting formed with opposed cam rollers 80 between the equalizer spring, as later described. which a cam 8| is located. The cam 8| is ?xed The leg 2|a terminates at its forward end ap on a cam shaft 82 rotatably mounted in alined proximately even with the forward end of the bearings 83-83’. on the bracket 18 and arm 2| beam 20 and mounts a spindle 35 on which the of the swing frame structure, and adapted to be forward ground wheel iii of the unit is revolubly rotatably actuated to effect rotation of the cam mounted. The wheel i6 has a hub portion 3'! and the expanding of the shoes against the drum. _ revoluble on the spindle and the hub is equipped A coiled spring 88 connecting at its ends to the with an outer end flange 38 that mounts a wheel I body disk 39, equipped with a rim 40 carrying a 60 oscillating ends of the brake shoes, operates to to form a hollow tube, as notedin Fig. 7. At its pneumatic tire 4i; these parts being best shown draw them toward each other to disengage the in Fig. 5. The outer end of the spindle extends through a hole 42 in the forward end of the beam 20, and is ‘secured by the application of a nut 44 to a threaded outer endportion of the drum and release the braking action. The cam shaft 82 is equipped with a vertically extending spindle. . To give lateral rigidity to the swing frame structure, the brace bar 22 is ?xed solidly to the rearward end portion of the bracket 2| as by the lever arm “to which a connecting rod 97 is at tached. The rod 91 extends rearwardly to a "vacuum booster" cylinder designated in its en tirety by reference numeral Hill. This booster comprises an air-tight drum, iiii, ?xedly mount ed on the swing frame bracket 2| by a support bolts 45, and extends therefrom in an inwardly 70 IN’. The drum is divided by a flexible dia phragm I02 to which the end of rod 91 is ?xed. and rearwardly curved direction, and at its end It will be understood that if vacuum is applied is pivotally mounted on the pivot axle 4 at a point close to the longitudinal axial center of. to the drum at one side of the diaphragm, the diaphragm will be de?ected accordingly, and thus the tractor, as will be understood by reference to Figs. 2 and 4. 25 a pull can be exerted on the rod 91 toapply the 4 2,852,598 The valve mechanism contained in housing I21 brakes in accordance with the extent of vacuum is such that upon seating of the valve I35, the It is to be understood also that the braking vacuum in the chamber I3I will be broken to per facilities at opposite sides of the tractor are alike, mit release of the brake. This might be accomboth in construction and mode of operation, and plished in various ways; for example, through a that the equipment illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. .passage I36a in the‘rod I36 which becomes closed which controls the braking mechanisms at the when rod I26 is moved to unseat the valve I35. near side, would be duplicated at the opposite and a port I3 la: in the inside wall of chamber I3I. side. By means of the facilities described, it is pos In the arrangement of parts illustrated in Figs. 10 sible to effectively and properly control the brak 2 and 3, it will be observed that the brake pedal ing of the vehicle for all ordinary operations BI is pivotally mounted at its lower end, and that through the wheeled units. This braking may a connecting rod I05 extends rearwardly from an accomplish the quick stopping as well as the operative connection with the pedal, and this steering of the vehicle and is all that is ‘required operates through connections indicated at I in for normal operations. However, the steering Fig. 3, to control the braking‘ of the steering clutch brakes are always available and can be clutch mechanism 9. used for unusual situations as emergency brakes. The connection between the foot pedal and ‘In Fig. 9, I have illustrated the application of clutch, besides the rod I05, includes a valve hous brakes for both wheels of each unit. In such ing I21 and a rod I26 that extends from the hous cases of use, two booster drums I00—,I00' are em ing to the lever I, later more fully described. ' ployed at each side of the tractor, and each wheel In the present improved arrangement of brak is equipped with brake drum and shoes corre ing facilities, a vacuum tank I25 is mounted on sponding to those shown in Fig. 5. vFrom the the tractor at any suitable location ‘and vacuum drums, rods 95 and 95a extend to the cam levers is drawn and maintained therein by a pump, not . 96 of the front and rear wheels respectively, and shown. This pump might well be operated conduits lead from the valve housing at that side applied. ’ through a connection with the engine 3. A vac to both booster drums. Thus, when an applica uum connection, including a ?exible conduit I26 tion of braking force is made, it opens the vacuum‘ leads from the tank' I25 to the control valve housing I21 that is interposed in the braking con 30 valve to admit vacuum to both ‘drums in like, amount. . . nection between foot pedal B1 and lever f, and As a detail of this construction, each unit is from this housing I21, a ?exible conduit I29 equipped with a sprocket chain tightening leads to the drum of vacuum booster I00. ' means, as shown best in Fig. 1. Each tightener Now referring to the enlarged cross sectional view of the valve housing I21, as shown in Fig. 11, it will be observed that the vacuum line- I26 comprises a plate I50 disposed vertically along the side of the upper run of thewhain belt 12, ing passage normally closed by a valve I35 on a . ward direction. A coiled spring I31 surrounds top edge of the plate is connected by a link I53 with a bracket I59 that is fixed to the beam 20,. and the link is equipped with adjusting nuts as the rod within the housing and bears against the , valve to yieldingly hold it seated. » as required to place more or less tension on the pivotally mounted at its lower edge by bolt I5I in , opens to a chamber I30 in the housing, and that a bracket I52 carried byvbeam 20. On the plate, the chamber I30is surrounded by a chamber I3I sprocket wheels I54 and I55 are mounted to en with a lateral outlet I32 from which the conduit I23 leads to the booster cylinder I00. The 40 gage with the chain belt at top and lower sides .and at an interval spaced along the ‘belt. The chambers I30 and I3I have an intercommunicat rod I36 that extends from the housing in a for-' at I60 whereby. its effective length may be varied I " belt. ‘._ . The housing I21 has a socket I40 at one end Having thusdescribed myvinvention, what I within which one-end of the rod I28 is ?xed; the claim as new therein and desireto secure by. other end of the rod being operatively attached. to < . the braking mechanism 1. The forward .end of 50 Letters Patent is‘: - > . 1. In a tractor having -a main frame, traction the valve rod I36 connects rigidly with the brake units at oppositesides of the main frame forits rod I05 as a continuation thereof, and‘ this, in turn, has a pivotal connection at its forward end ' support, a prime. mover mounted by the main frame, driving connections between the prime ' I " A requirement for the intended operation of 65 mover and the traction units, each connection including a steering clutch and ‘brake, individual the brakes is ‘that the holding tension of "the braking means applied directly to the traction coiled spring I31 be less than the releasing ten with the foot pedal 31. units, and a brake applying ‘means common to sion of the steering clutch mechanism 0 so'thatv ' when ‘the foot pedal is depressed, the valve I35 I the steering clutch brake and traction unit brak will be moved‘to its open position prior to any 60 ing means at the‘same side of the main frame and operable .to effect their energization in se actuation of the transmission brake 9. The un.-. seating of valve I35 provides for communication of the vacuum through the valve housing to the , quence. 2. A tractor- of the character described com prising a main frame, swing frames supporting shown, effects the application of braking force 65 the main frame ‘at opposite sides thereof and adapted for independent oscillation, ground vto the front wheel of the unit. Then, by a con tinued forward actuation of the foot pedal, suin ‘wheels mounted‘ by each swing frame, a prime ' cient to take up all the lost motion ail'orded in mover mounted by the main frame having sepa the spring I31, finally results in the functional rate‘driving connections with the ground wheels operation of the braking facilities of the steering 70 of different swing frames; each connection in clutch mechanism 3. The rod I23 might well cluding a steering clutch and brake, wheel brak have a limited sliding connection with lever I ing means applied directly to the ground wheels so that its braking action becomes effective only of each swing frame, an energizing means there after the full effect of the vacuum brake has for on the corresponding swing frame and a been used. ‘ brake control means on the main frame common booster drum, and this, through the connections 2,862,698 to the steering clutch brake and wheel braking means at the same‘side of the tractor. ' 3; A tractor of the character described com prising'a main frame, swing frames supporting the main frame at opposite sides thereof and mounted for independent oscillation, ground wheels mounted by each swing frame, a prime ' ' 5 yieldable, lost motion Joint therein, and where - in means is operable incident to the initial brake applying movement of the brake rod, for effect ing an application of braking force to the ground 5 wheels, and other means is operable, after lost motion in the joint has been overcome by the initial braking action, to e?ect the application mover mounted by the main frame having sepa of the steering brake mechanism. _ rate connections with the ground wheels of the 5. _In a tractor having traction units at oppo di?erent swing frame; each driving connection 10 site sides thereof, a prime mover with driving including steering brake mechanism, braking connections extended to the traction units and means applied directly to the ground wheels at including a steering clutch and brake mecha ' opposite sides of the tractor, and a manually nism in each driving connection; a braking means. for each traction unit independent of controlled brake applying means, common to the steering brake mechanism and wheel brak 15 the steering clutch brake and including a ?uid - pressure medium booster connected to actuate ing means at the same side of the tractor, mov able through'an initial interval for actuation of the braking means, a source of ?uid pressure the wheel braking means and through an addi medium having connection with the booster, a tional interval to actuate the steering brake control valve in the connection and a manually 20 operable brake control means movable through mechanism. 4. A tractor as recited in claim 3 wherein an initial interval. to open the valve to apply means is associated with each of the steering the pressure medium to the booster for actuating brake mechanisms to yieldingly resist its appli the unit brake and movable through an addi tional interval to apply the corresponding steer cation, and wherein said brake applying means I includes a brake rod connection with the steer 25 ing clutch brake. . GEORGE S. 'ALLIN. ing brake mechanism; said brake rod having a
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